SPOKANE, WA – A Nespelem man has been sentenced to 216 months in federal prison for offenses involving minors on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced 31-year-old Lance Scott Michel on Monday after he entered guilty pleas to two federal charges. Following his prison term, Michel will also serve a lifetime term of supervised release.

According to court records, Michel began contacting minors on the Colville Reservation in early 2023. Investigators said he used social media and offered prohibited items to gain their trust before committing the crimes. Judge Dimke applied a sentencing enhancement, citing the seriousness of his conduct.

“Protecting children and holding accountable those who seek to exploit and harm them are top priorities of my office,” U.S. Attorney S. Peter Serrano said in a written statement.

FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington said Michel’s actions were “entirely deserving” of the lengthy sentence and emphasized the ongoing efforts of federal and tribal law enforcement to safeguard young people.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Colville Tribal Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Ellis.